Kathy Najimy, born Kathy Ann Najimy on February 6, 1957, in San Diego, California, is a beloved American actress known for her vibrant comedic energy and distinctive voice. She first captured national attention as a writer and performer of the groundbreaking feminist play The Kathy and Mo Show, which she created alongside Mo Gaffney, a production that showcased her sharp wit and commitment to social commentary. This early success paved the way for a diverse career spanning film, television, and theater, cementing her as a versatile and enduring figure in entertainment.

Najimy’s film career took off in the early 1990s with a memorable role in the soap opera satire Soapdish (1991), where she held her own alongside an ensemble cast. She achieved widespread recognition playing the spirited nun Mary Patrick in the hit comedy Sister Act (1992) and its sequel Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), starring opposite Whoopi Goldberg. In the same year, she took on the iconic role of Mary Sanderson, the flamboyant and gluttonous witch in the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus (1993), a performance that became a fan favorite and led to her reprising the role in the long-awaited sequel Hocus Pocus 2 (2022). Her filmography also includes appearances in Hope Floats (1998), The Wedding Planner (2001), Rat Race (2001), the animated Pixar film WALL-E (2008), Step Up 3D (2010), The Guilt Trip (2012), Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas (2013), A Christmas Melody (2015), the Netflix comedy Dumplin' (2018), Music (2021), and the holiday rom-com Single All the Way (2021).

On television, Najimy is best known for two major roles. She portrayed the neurotic and lovable Olive Massery on the NBC sitcom Veronica's Closet (1997–2000), starring opposite Kirstie Alley. Simultaneously, she lent her unmistakable voice to the character of Peggy Hill, the overly confident and quirky substitute teacher, on the long-running animated series King of the Hill (1997–2010, 2025–present), a role that earned her a dedicated fanbase and showcased her talent for voice acting. Throughout her career, Najimy has also appeared in numerous other television series and made-for-TV movies, and she has remained active in theater, often performing in one-woman shows and stage productions. Her work is frequently noted for its feminist undertones and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and women's issues. Currently, Kathy Najimy continues to act in both film and television, delighting audiences with her comedic timing and warm presence, and her legacy as a versatile performer remains firmly established in American pop culture.